Britons 'working more than 48 hours a week'

The number of people working more than 48 hours a week has increased, highlighting the "national disgrace" of Britain's long-hours culture, according to a new report today.

Almost four million employees are working at least 48 hours a week, 350,000 more than a decade ago, despite a European directive aimed at reducing working time.

Managers and professional staff work the longest hours, while one in 25 men are toiling for at least 60 hours a week, according to the TUC report.

The research showed that the European working time directive, which aimed to limit hours to 48 a week, isn't working.

"Britain's long-hours culture is a national disgrace," said TUC general secretary John Monks. "It leads to stress, ill health and family strains."

The TUC said its survey showed how badly work was managed in the UK compared with other countries.

The average working week in the UK is now 43.6 hours compared with a European average of 40.3 and limits of just 35 in France.

Changes to the directive are expected following an EU review in 2003 which the TUC believes will make it tougher.

Firms were urged to organise their work more efficiently so that staff "work smart" and be more productive while working fewer hours.

Mr Monks added: "Half the country is caught in a vicious circle of low pay, low productivity and long hours, with the other half trapped in their offices and battling ever growing in-trays.

"Other countries produce more, earn more and work far shorter hours. We should, and can, do the same if employers, unions and government work together."

Mary MacLeod, chief executive of the National Family and Parenting Institute said: "This is yet another report that highlights the long-hours culture that is putting serious strain on family life in the UK.

"Every day we see headlines blaming parents for not having time for their children, meanwhile parents in the UK are having to work the longest hours in Europe to make ends meet, returning home stressed and exhausted."

The CBI said workers wanted the right to make their own decisions about working extra hours.

Deputy director general John Cridland said: "Managerial workers often work longer hours because they want to. Operational staff often work longer hours because they are paid for it.

Neither group will thank the Government for intervening. They don't want a nanny state."